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Stephen McManus has moved on loan to Bristol City from Middlesbrough

Bristol City have agreed an emergency loan deal for defender Stephen McManus from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.

Last Updated: 17/10/12 12:27pm

Stephen McManus: Joined Bristol City in February for a month as well

The 30-year-old centre-half, who spent a brief spell at Ashton Gate earlier in the year, will return to the Robins for 12 weeks.

McManus has turned out just once for Boro this season and will relish the opportunity to play regular football under Derek McInnes as the City boss looks to turn his team's fortunes around after a poor start to the Championship campaign.

"Last season I felt he came in and gave us a real lift; hopefully he can do something similar this time around," McInnes said.

"Of course his loan spell was curtailed early last time and I think he feels he has unfinished business here. He was desperate to come back and now we have him for the next three months.

"Stephen is experienced at Championship level, has battling qualities, defends his box and can be the first-ball winner. He'll be very dominant and a good professional to have about the place.

"This position is one we've been looking to strengthen for some time and it's great we've got someone who can come in, is desperate to play and also knows all about us too."